The Ottoman Empire

The Tanzimat Period in the Ottoman Empire was a period of reform that replaced the millet system in an attempt to create more equality among the millets. This eliminated the millet system from the Ottoman Empire. The Millet system created religiously based communities that operated autonomously, so people were organized into societies, on often received privileges, based on the church they followed. This clause terminated the privileges of these communities and constructed a society where all followed the same law. As millets were generally autonomous, there were many differences in law and punishment from millet to millet which went against the idea of equality of everyone. The first declaration of the Tanzimat Period, the Hatt-ı Sharif, fixed this so that everyone was to be treated equally and with respect, including such clauses as No one will be permitted to assail the honour of any one, whosoever he may be and These imperial concessions extend to all our subjects, whatever religion or sect they may belong to; and they will enjoy them without any exception. This once again shows a great tolerance on the part of the Ottomans, a tolerance that even hundreds of years later doesn’t commonly exist in the Middle East.

The Ottoman Empire was one of the most successful ancient empires, lasting into the 20^th century. Their practice of peace and acceptance was what kept them going for so long. As time went on they adapted always in the direction of equality and fairness. Their government system provided great freedom for their non Muslim subjects and later on changed for the better of everyone. Even in the face of European hatred, this empire flourished. The Ottoman message of tolerance that was practiced hundreds of years ago is a lesson that many could use today as we face issues of intolerance and prejudice both here at home and across the world.